Pune: A bridge on the Mutha canal in the Hadapsar area has been found to be damaged, leading to the suspension of vehicular movement on the stretch. Alternate routes have now been made available for road users for their daily commutes. However, local residents are pushing for Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to carry out repairs at the earliest and restore use of the bridge. Former corporator from the area, Yogesh Sasane, said the arch of this bridge was damaged from the bottom. Thereafter, it was decided to stop movement of vehicles on the bridge as a precautionary measure. “This is an old structure, constructed almost five decades ago. We have approached PMC’s road department to demand repairs,” Sasane said. Barricades have been installed on both sides of the bridge to restrict use; however, people are still attempting to travel on it, which is risky. Sasane said PMC should take up the repairs in a day or two at the most. “Failing this, we will stage a protest and take up the issue with the municipal commissioner,” he said. The Mutha canal carries water from the Khadakwasla dam to rural parts and flows through Hadapsar. The administration has constructed bridges on the river at various locations here. The maintenance of these bridges and culverts rests with the PMC. Citizens said that besides the damaged bridge, there are two more bridges on the canal in the same area, all of which need thorough inspections and regular maintenance. Local resident Pramod More said, Repair and maintenance of the culverts is totally ignored. The canals have become dumping spots, and PMC has not been able to stop illegal dumping here. The civic ody bshould repair and strengthen the culverts and bridges on the canal and also install meshes along them to restrict garbage dumping.” Civic officials said a preliminary inspection was carried out; based on its findings, the plan for repairs will be finalised. “Teams will be inspecting the bridge in the next couple of days to work out the plan. It requires the administration to also carry out the structural audit,” said a PMC official, choosing anonymity.
